Gerald M. Best papers, 1932-1983

Printable guide [HTML]

Summary

Abstract:
The papers of railroad historian, writer and photographer Gerald M. Best consists of photographs, correspondence, research notes and copied materials, manuscripts of his publications, rosters, and ephemera.
Extent:
3 Linear Feet 9 manuscript boxes
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Gerald M. Best Papers, MS 16, California State Railroad Museum Library & Archives, Sacramento, California.

Background

Scope and content:

The papers of railroad historian, writer and photographer Gerald M. Best consists of photographs, correspondence, research notes and copied materials, manuscripts of his publications, rosters, and ephemera.The correspondence relates largely to railroad topics, although some personal correspondence is present. Topics include Best's association with the Golden Spike Centennial Celebration in 1969, the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society, the formation of the California State Railroad Museum, and Best's publications. There are also letters to and from other railroad historians, writers, and photographers. The research notes pertain to Best's publications, as well as to other railroad subjects which did not find their way into print. Rosters include those prepared by Best and by others. The manuscripts are typewritten carbon copies. Ephemera includes clippings, brochures, handouts, etc. Pocket notebooks include lists of photographs wanted and other notes.

Patrons are also directed to the following Gerald M. Best collections and materials which have been removed and catalogued separately: published materials, photographs and artifacts. The photograph collection includes over 70,000 prints and 55,000 negatives, documenting more than 2,500 North American railroads. Prints are arranged by corporate name. Nearly all of the images are roster shots of steam locomotives. These have been further arranged in road number order. There are also train shots, and some coverage of diesel power and rolling stock. Not all prints have negatives, nor do all negatives have prints. A photocopy of the cards Mr. Best used to record date and location identification is available; however, it is not always possible to precisely link this data with a specific print.

Biographical / historical:

Railroad historian, writer, and photographer Gerald M. Best was born in 1895 and raised in Port Jervis, New York. While pursuing a career in radio communications and in motion picture sound engineering, Best became active in model railroading and in railroad photography. Beginning in 1948, he restored his own narrow gauge Baldwin plantation locomotive "Olomana" which he operated on Ward Kimball's Grizzly Flats Railroad in Southern California. This engine is now on exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

Prior to his retirement in 1962, Best wrote two books and a number of articles on railroad history. After retiring, he authored ten other books as well as several pamphlets and articles. His last article appeared posthumously in the Autumn 1985 issue of RAILROAD HISTORY.

Best was active in the Pacific Coast and Southern California Chapters of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society and served as a vice-president of the national organization. He died in 1985.

Arnold S. Menke, "Gerald M. Best's 'Autobiography of a Railfan,'" RAILROAD HISTORY (No. 158, Spring 1988), pp. 14-71.

Acquisition information:

Gift of Mrs. Gerald M. (Harriet B.) Best, 1986

Series 6. gift of Arnold S. Menke, 2012

Arrangement:

This collection is arranged in the following series.

Series 1. Correspondence

Series 2. Writings

Series 3. Railroad Research

Series 4. Rosters

Series 5. Ephemera

Series 6. Photography Notebooks

Physical location:
Statewide Museum Collection Center
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Indexed terms

Subjects:
Photography of railroads
Places:
Correspondence--Letters

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research by appointment. Contact Library Staff.

Terms of access:

Copyright has been assigned to the California State Railroad Museum. Permission for publication must be submitted in writing to the CSRM Library & Archives.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Gerald M. Best Papers, MS 16, California State Railroad Museum Library & Archives, Sacramento, California.

Location of this collection:
111 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95814, US
Contact:
(916) 323-8073
Library.CSRM@parks.ca.gov
Website